Ordre des architectes du Québec

The OAQ actively supervises and supports architects in the evolution of the profession with a view to increased protection of the public. Through its credibility and influence, it promotes quality architecture, sustainable, optimal in resources and generous in well-being, consistent with the necessary socio-ecological transition.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 643 results.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Radon is a colorless, odorless gas, a Class A carcinogen, the leading cause of cancer after smoking, and the leading cause of death for nonsmokers. It is found in soil, rock, and groundwater. If radon enters a home through slabs, basements, and crawl spaces, breathing it can lead to illness or even death. This course examines how the gas travels through soil and into structures and the various interception approaches and materials that can be utilized to prevent entry into inhabited spaces. It also highlights building code requirements and language that can assist with ensuring the correct radon interception systems are designed and installed effectively.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    While frequently chosen for aesthetics and durability, clay brick is not often considered when energy efficiency is a primary concern, even though it historically played a significant role in occupant comfort before the widespread use of HVAC systems. This course discusses the basics of heat transfer, relevant energy code provisions for walls, and how current research by the National Brick Research Center demonstrates the role that brick veneer can play in meeting or exceeding energy requirements in modern wall assemblies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Waterborne pathogens in healthcare facilities are a significant source of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) that cause thousands of deaths every year and billions of dollars in direct healthcare costs. This course will familiarize you with waterborne pathogens found in healthcare water systems, the technical standards that manage the risk of outbreaks, and the components of a water management program (WMP). Finally, we will review the characteristics of plumbing fixtures designed to deter pathogen growth.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    An expansion joint is a structural gap designed to accommodate the movement of a building in a controlled manner, preventing damage to the building’s internal and external finishes. Expansion joints run throughout a building in walls, ceilings, and floors. Expansion joint covers provide a covered transition across an expansion opening and remain unaffected by the relative movement of the two surfaces either side of the joint. This course explains how to determine joint movement requirements and how to size a joint. It also discusses the performance of different expansion joint cover systems and the applicable fire protection and building codes.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Water infiltration can severely compromise the health and durability of concrete structures. Selecting the right waterproofing strategy is critical for withstanding environmental stressors and increasing the lifespan of the concrete. This course identifies traditional types of waterproofing materials and their applications. Innovative waterproofing solutions, such as crystalline topical coatings and admixtures, are examined in depth, including discussions of water penetration, system selection, and durability.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    The effects of climate change are causing the threat of extreme wildfires to grow across the US, even in areas not considered to be at risk 20 years ago. Designing fire-resistant properties that are prepared and protected year-round is an essential factor in building wildfire-resilient communities. This course reviews the health and environmental harms of wildfires and their role in the growing insurance crisis and then addresses how an eco-friendly fire inhibitor can be part of a multilayered defense strategy. Also discussed are this nontoxic product’s fire and safety testing and certifications and how it can be deployed in a variety of methods to serve as a proactive defense against embers, the leading cause of structure ignitions in wildfire events.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Fire safety is an important building enclosure design factor and needs to be addressed hand-in-hand with energy code requirements. NFPA 285 is a critical consideration with modern building assemblies incorporating combustible materials in noncombustible construction. This presentation reviews the history and scope of the NFPA 285 test standard and its adoption into the International Building Code® (IBC®). The compliance criteria are outlined, and triggers and contributors under the standard are identified. The course also reviews how the selection of building components such as insulation, air-/water-resistive barriers, and claddings affects the fire performance of an assembly, and solutions and common paths for compliance are presented.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Trees are essential for the health of the urban environment, mitigating the heat island effect, cleaning the air, reducing stormwater runoff, and improving residents’ health and well-being. But cities are often inhospitable to trees, where their growth may be stunted or their roots may damage surrounding infrastructure. This course explores ways to design successful projects incorporating green infrastructure by understanding the principles behind tree growth, proper type and amount of soil, water management, and the role of soil vault systems in helping urban trees thrive.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Roofing technologies have come a long way from labor-intensive BUR systems that achieved watertightness through redundancy. Today’s single-ply membranes are thin, light and reliable, and installation is safe and efficient. This course focuses on thermoplastic single-plies, particularly those that are PVC based, and explores their benefits and limitations as well as the important factors to consider when selecting a roof system, ranging from fastening techniques to warranties to sustainability.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Research indicates that the quality of light directly affects the quality of life in a space; access to daylight and outdoor views promotes happiness and productivity. Reviewed in this course are the features of polycarbonate sheeting systems and how they contribute to energy-efficient daylighting design, as well as the overall health and well-being of the building occupants.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Advancements in composite decking technology are transforming the way outdoor spaces are designed and built, particularly in multifamily settings where effective water management is critical. This course introduces mineral-based composite decking systems and their role in eliminating the need for secondary membranes. Learners will explore how these all-in-one solutions streamline installation, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and help prevent common issues such as mold, decay, and water intrusion. The course also highlights how well-designed outdoor amenities can foster social connection, support resident well-being, and enhance the value of shared spaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Louvers are functional elements that permit airflow and protect against water intrusion. Selecting the right louver for a project requires balancing multiple factors. This course provides an overview of the various types of louvers and their performance characteristics, the AMCA’s role in ensuring reliable, high-performing products, and relevant standards and testing protocols. Finish options, as well as installation, design, and structural considerations, are addressed. Guidance is provided on selecting and specifying appropriate louvers to meet project needs.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Vertical-lift doors and windows enhance the functionality and convenience of many types of spaces, and when offered with an array of innovative customization options, the result is a unique, aesthetically pleasing opening that can transform any residential or commercial design. This course reviews the types of openings and lifting systems, safety features, and design options. Also addressed are the sustainability benefits that can contribute toward credit fulfillment in the LEED® v4.1 Building Design and Construction and Interior Design and Construction rating systems, as well as in the WELL Building Standard™ v2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Trash, recycling, and linen chutes must be designed, installed, and maintained to meet the 2019 NFPA 82 standard. This course addresses trash, recycling, and linen chutes and includes discussions on system components, accessory components, compactors and sorters, and meeting NFPA 82 requirements. The program also guides you through a typical installation of a chute system.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Today’s buildings are evolving from independently functioning structures to intelligent buildings that interact with occupants and surrounding buildings. This trend has impacted the design, operation, and maintenance of data centers around the globe due to the increased demand for data and digital communication and has resulted in more high-performance data centers. This presentation addresses the specific needs of data centers and presents high-performance design solutions that support sustainable design.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Main entrance air curtains are used by architects and engineers in commercial, institutional, and industrial settings to both improve energy efficiency and protect occupant comfort and well-being. This course reviews the research that led to air curtains being approved as an alternative to vestibules in ASHRAE 90.1-2019 and other building codes, as well as how air curtains on main entries contribute to sustainability goals around energy conservation, public health, and indoor air quality.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    While architects and designers have many choices for specifying dynamic architectural surfaces in their projects, the result of using photography in such applications has historically presented challenges. This course explores typical digital images used in glass installations, gigapixel photography, guidelines for glass transparency, and the impacts of luminosity and reflectivity. Finally, it looks at potential applications for gigapixel images in large- or small-scale architectural surfaces.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Incorporating bulletproof glass into any facility is a sizable investment; however, it is a small price to pay for the protection of human lives. This course illustrates how to maximize that investment by selecting and installing the appropriate system for the threat level and the functional needs of the client. Discussed are UL protection level ratings; types of bullet-resistant barrier systems and their components; planning, production, and installation of systems; security window film vs. bullet-resistant glass; and project security checklists.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    This course introduces the fundamentals of designing and specifying transaction systems that support safe, secure, and efficient customer interactions. Learners will explore how to evaluate and select solutions, such as drive-thru and ticket windows, transaction drawers, package receivers, and ballistic-rated products, based on operational needs and risk considerations. The course also reviews applicable regulations and industry standards, helping designers develop compliant, effective, and user-friendly transaction strategies.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Firestopping is the process of sealing openings around penetrants or in joints or gaps between fire-rated assemblies to restore hourly fire resistance ratings. It is a critical part of fire containment and a balanced fire and life safety plan. This course outlines resources and code requirements that architects and designers should be aware of while preparing specifications for firestop systems in their projects. The course also reviews common mistakes to avoid.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system provides occupants with filtered, balanced, and tempered air within their living space. Airborne contaminants can be greatly reduced with ERV systems. This course provides knowledge about the need, use, design, and installation of ERVs in the modern dwelling unit and when retrofitting existing structures. The course also addresses the environmental advantages of sustainable and healthy solutions for indoor air quality.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Single-family attached residences (residences that share one or more walls between neighbors) are required to utilize area separation walls between units. A key design criterion of any firewall—besides its fire rating—is that it be structurally independent in a fire. This course evaluates two-hour fire-resistance-rated walls used in single-family attached and multifamily residential construction, the options available in today’s marketplace, firewall installation requirements, and fire-resistance testing.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Adequate water consumption is essential to human health, and many turn to bottled water for convenience or out of concerns about the public drinking water supply. But bottled water presents its own water quality issues along with environmental impacts of disposable plastic bottles. This course explores bottle-filling stations that offer safer, convenient, sustainable hydration in a wide range of applications. Also reviewed are the features, benefits, and installation options of bottle-filling stations and how they contribute to drinking water requirements in the WELL Building Standard™ (WELL™) version 2.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour, 15 minutes ) 

    Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are made from dry-cast concrete, which uses less cement and sequesters carbon at a faster and greater rate than wet-cast concrete. This course begins with an overview of concrete products and the differences between dry- and wet-cast concrete, then explores the relationship between concrete and the carbon cycle, recent research into CMU sequestration rates, and the results of mini life-cycle assessments comparing different wall systems. Finally, some practical strategies for further reducing embodied carbon are reviewed.

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  • ( ~ 1 hour ) 

    Noise pollution is excessive environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human life. As urban environments have become increasingly dense, the noise problem has magnified, negatively impacting mental and physical health. Sound is everywhere, but it can be controlled with architectural solutions. This course provides a refresher on the basic science of acoustics and how sound interacts with our surroundings. From there, the course explores various architectural solutions, the technology behind them, and how they are successfully integrated into buildings to reduce noise. Discussion of installation applications addresses sound control options for retrofits and new construction.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 643 results.

FIRST [1-25] [26-50] [51-75] [76-100] [101-125] NEXT LAST